PFF: Sonata

Sonata

Set in the majestic Tatra Mountains, a deeply moving story of a unique musician and his incredible journey to achieve the impossible. Winner of 8 international film festivals, the film is based on true story of pianist Grzegorz Plonka, who as a child was misdiagnosed as autistic, only to learn many years later that the cause of his distant behaviour is serious hearing loss.

On the eve of his 15th birthday, Grzegorz Plonka's (Michal Sikorski) family learn that the cause of his withdrawn behaviour is actually a serious hearing impairment and not autism. Born prematurely and incorrectly diagnosed, he was sent to school together with severely impaired children, learning absolutely nothing. Thanks to his parents (Malgorzata Foremniak and Lukasz Simlat) and one doctor - professor Skarzynski (Jerzy Stuhr), who implants him with a cochlear hearing aid, Grzegorz discovers speech, sound, and music, with which he falls in love. It turns out that underneath his disability, a great musical talent has been hidden for many years. Equipped with the implant he now desires to become a pianist and perform Beethoven’s "Moonlight Sonata" at a great philharmonic concert hall. Yet no one believes that he will achieve this – except for his mum and dad.

A beautiful true story of unbelievable determination and passion filled with music and stunning mountain landscapes.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

WINNER: Grand Prix International Competition I Sofia International Film Festival I 2022

WINNER: Best Film in the International and Balkan Competition Audience Award I Sofia International Film Festival I 2022

WINNER: Best Film Audience Award I Gdynia Film Festival I 2021

WINNER: Best Debut Actor I Gdynia Film Festival I 2021

Rating

E

Duration

118 min

Language

Polish, English subtitles

Cast

Michal Sikorski, Malgorzata Foremniak, Lukasz Simlat, Jerzy Stuhr, Irena Melcer

Director

Bartosz Blaschke